(Wanaka, New Zealand – 16 June 2010) – The Freeski Association of New Zealand in conjunction with Snow Sports News Zealand is proud to once again stage the Volkl NZ Freeski Open taking place from 5 August to 21 August, 2010.
The sixth annual Volkl NZ Freeski Open, covers three major freeski disciplines: Slopestyle, Halfpipe and Big Mountain. The slopestyle and halfpipe, which will once again be held at Cardrona Alpine Resort, will run from Thursday, 5 August to Saturday, 7 August. Treble Cone will be home to the Big Mountain competition which will take place whenever weather and conditions are deemed appropriate between 16 August and 21 August.
Establishing itself as the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere and attracting athletes from across the globe, the Volkl NZ Freeski Open has now been officially recognised on the international freeski World Tour alongside the world’s biggest freeski events.
Volkl Open 2009 Skier: Byron Wells Credit: Camilla Stoddart
The North Face Big Mountain is the first ever Southern Hemisphere Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) Event, while the Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) is including the Slopestyle and Halfpipe as an AFP points earner.
“A goal of the freeski association has always been to provide a proving ground for our athletes against the best in world in our own backyard,” said freeski’s Hamish Acland. “We’ve also recognised that in providing an event such as the Volkl NZ Freeski Open, we have the ability to promote NZ to the world as a premier training and competition destination.”
A handful of International pre-qualified riders will set the benchmark giving the 140 amateur and professional athletes the chance to prove their worth on the world stage. Entrants will battle through qualifiers for a spot in the finals.
Registration fills very quickly. To register click here.
Volkl NZ Freeski Open Schedule
Thursday 5th August - Slopestyle Qualifiers – Cardrona Alpine Resort
Friday 6th August – Slopestyle Finals - Cardrona Alpine Resort
Saturday 7th August – Halfpipe – Cardrona Alpine Resort
Sunday 8th August – Weather Day for Halfpipe and Slopestyle – Cardrona Alpine Resort
Monday 16th – Saturday 21st August - The North Face Big Mountain Finals – Treble Cone (this is a one day competition that will be held when weather and conditions warrant, NZ qualifying will be part of the Treble Cone Saddle Basin Freeride Challenge (24th July) )
About the Freeride World Tour Qualifier (Big Mountain)
Since 2008, the Freeride World Tour has made sports history bringing together top international freeride skiers and snowboarders, men and women, competing at prestigious resorts around the world, battling for the World Champion title. The Freeride World Tour (FWT) is welcoming The New Zealand Freeride Series 2009 as a Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) event for the 2009-2010 season. The New Zealand Freeride Series is comprised of three events, The North Face Big Mountain at the Volkl New Zealand Freeski Open at The Remarkables and Treble Cone (11-16 August), the K2 Big Mountain Chill Series at Craigieburn and Mt Olympus (26-30 August), and the Export Gold Xtreme at Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu (8-13 September). As a premier event, the Volkl New Zealand Freeski Open offers double the points in the overall Series result. www.freerideworldtour.com
About the Association of Freeski Professionals World Tour (Slopestyle and Halfpipe)
Event rankings are based upon course construction, prize money, media exposure and quality of competitor field and determined by the Executive Committee of the AFP. Final points for each event are determined after the start list is confirmed and the strength field based on AFP standings is weighted into consideration. The Best four results are used for halfpipe and the best three results for Slopestyle and Big Air to determine the World Champions. www.afpworldtour.com
TO REGISTER FOR THE 2010 VOLKL NEW ZEALAND FREESKI OPEN, CLICK HERE!! |
